NEW YORK – Ann Packer is back in the literary spotlight with “Some Bright Nowhere,” her first novel in ten years, which has been selected as the latest addition to Oprah Winfrey’s esteemed book club.

Released on Tuesday, “Some Bright Nowhere” delves into the life of a long-married couple who face a profound dilemma. When the wife learns she is terminally ill, she expresses a final wish that their two close friends take care of her instead of her husband, sparking deep questions about loyalty and love.

Winfrey praised the novel, saying, “This beautifully crafted narrative encourages readers to ponder the true essence of marriage, the nuances of friendships across genders, and ultimately, how one chooses to spend their final days.”

Packer, who is 66, gained acclaim with her celebrated novel “The Dive from Clausen’s Pier” in 2002. Her literary repertoire also includes “Songs Without Words,” “The Children’s Crusade,” and the short story collection “Mendocino and Other Stories.” Like many authors selected for Winfrey’s book club, Packer received the exciting news via an unexpected phone call.

Recalling the moment, Packer said, “I’ve never uttered ‘Oh my God’ so frequently in such a short span of time,” she shared in a statement.

Tuesday’s announcement continues Winfrey’s partnership with Starbucks. She and Packer spoke recently at a Starbucks in New York City, and their conversation is airing on Winfrey’s YouTube channel and other podcast outlets.